Imagine a dance floor where cognitive abilities and gait performance come together in a captivating performance. As we age, the dance becomes more intricate and dynamic. In this study, scientists used neuroimaging to analyze the interplay between cognitive function and gait performance in different age groups. They discovered that usual walking is like a graceful waltz, with the motor and sustained attention networks moving in perfect harmony. However, when faced with dual-task walking (like talking while walking), additional cognitive capacities are needed, resulting in a complex choreography involving motor, executive control, divided attention, and processing speed networks. Interestingly, older adults rely on increased integration between various brain networks to compensate for declining cognitive abilities. This means they enlist more neural resources to keep up the routine dance steps. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining cognitive function as we age to ensure smooth and coordinated movements on the dance floor of life. To dive deeper into the research, put on your dancing shoes and follow the link!

IntroductionAging affects the interplay between cognition and gait performance. Neuroimaging studies reported associations between gait performance and structural measures; however, functional connectivity (FC) analysis of imaging data can help to identify dynamic neural mechanisms underlying optimal performance. Here, we investigated the effects on divergent cognitive and inter-network FC patterns underlying gait performance during usual (UW) and dual-task (DT) walking.MethodsA total of 115 community-dwelling, healthy participants between 20 and 80 years were enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive cognitive and gait assessments in two conditions and resting state functional MRI (fMRI) scans. Inter-network FC from motor-related to 6 primary cognitive networks were estimated. Step-wise regression models tested the relationships between gait parameters, inter-network FC, neuropsychological scores, and demographic variables. A threshold of p < 0.05 was adopted for all statistical analyses.ResultsUW was largely associated with FC levels between motor and sustained attention networks. DT performance was associated with inter-network FC between motor and divided attention, and processing speed in the overall group. In young adults, UW was associated with inter-network FC between motor and sustained attention networks. On the other hand, DT performance was associated with cognitive performance, as well as inter-network connectivity between motor and divided attention networks (VAN and SAL). In contrast, the older age group (> 65 years) showed increased integration between motor, dorsal, and ventral attention, as well as default-mode networks, which was negatively associated with UW gait performance. Inverse associations between motor and sustained attention inter-network connectivity and DT performance were observed.ConclusionWhile UW relies on inter-network FC between motor and sustained attention networks, DT performance relies on additional cognitive capacities, increased motor, and executive control network integration. FC analyses demonstrate that the decline in cognitive performance with aging leads to the reliance on additional neural resources to maintain routine walking tasks.

Read Full Article (External Site)